There are a couple more of observations on Mary Ann’s appointment with the Cardiologist, Dr. M, on Friday that have come to mind today. They were comments that he made may be of interest to other Caregivers and Spouses. I mentioned them in passing in last evening’s post, but they seem to me to warrant more reflection.

As I mentioned in last night’s post, I had brought some information from the Internet on a medication that seems to offer a an option for keeping Mary Ann’s blood pressure up when she is standing, to keep from fainting, without raising it when she is lying down, the time it is already too high.

I had brought the information to his office earlier in the week to allow time for him to look it over. He didn’t see it until he studied the chart before coming into the Examination Room. He did take time to read what I had brought. When he came in he said that he thought the medicine sounded very appropriate. In fact, he indicated that he appreciated the information and would consider using for others when the need arose.

He added that he was not at all uncomfortable with patients bringing in information. He did not perceive it as a threat. Not only was I grateful to hear that, but it impressed me as an attitude that any of us, Caregivers or patients, should look for in a doctor. Dr. M is confident enough in his role, that he is not afraid to deal with any sort of question or suggestion. He will answer the question if he can and tell us if he can’t. He will take suggestions when they are good ones, and explain why if they are not good suggestions.

I have the advantage of being in an online group of folks who have all had years of experience dealing with Lewy Body Dementia and often Parkinsonism if not Parkinson’s Disease itself. The thoughts and ideas and suggestions there are very helpful since they have been tested in real world situations. One thing may work for one person and not work for another, so the suggestions can only be just that, suggestions, when taking the information to the doctor. Bringing an arrogant attitude to a doctor’s appointment is sure to produce an unpleasant result. I suspect that doctors feel the same way about arrogant Patients and Caregivers as Caregivers and Patients think about arrogant doctors.

Another conversation the Cardiologist had with us was triggered by my asking if the Congestive Heart Failure that took us to the hospital actually demanded a hospital stay. I told him about the tough time we have had since the hospitalization. He suggested that if we come again, we ask if it would be possible to monitor her situation for a few hours rather than admitting her right away and starting a regimen of medicine administered intravenously. Again, if we explain our reason for asking rather than simply being demanding, it might impact the doctor’s decision.

Dr. M made the observation that doctors factor in their assessment of the Caregiver or Patient’s wishes concerning whether or not they want to be admitted. I inferred from what he said that there is a sensitivity about whether or not Caregivers and Patients feel able to handle the situation at home, when deciding whether or not to admit the Patient to the hospital.

We have a pretty good system here at home for dealing with Mary Ann’s problems. If (when) we end up in the Emergency Room again, we will evaluate carefully the value of being treated at the hospital against the toll a hospital takes on her ability to function.

In Mary Ann’s case, that might have meant getting the shot of Lasix and checking the Cardiac Enzymes for a few hours to see if they stayed the same or declined. While sometimes I feel pretty overwhelmed by what is already needed to give the care that is necessary, I think we would even be able to deal with IV meds at home, as long as a nurse put the IV in, and a nurse would be on call in case it got pulled out and needed to be inserted again. It is too bad that our system of medical care does not make more allowances for care to be given at home. It is easier on the patient (more rest) and it would seem to be less costly.

The day was quiet. PBS had a number of specials today with Celtic music. I told Mary Ann that I wanted to take charge of the television today and watch them. As I have metioned before, in our division of duties, she is the boss of the TV remote control. She stayed awake to listen to the music with me. She ate pretty well. She has been a little restless tonight. I hope she settles in for the night soon.

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